transformism

Transformism explains how species change over generations.

Definition

1. Noun (Biology):
   • "Transformism" refers to the theory that species evolve or change over time through the gradual transformation of one species into another, often associated with early evolutionary ideas before Darwin's theory of natural selection became dominant.

Usage Examples

• (The theory of gradual species change.)
• (The hypothesis of evolutionary transformation.)

Advanced Usage

• "Lamarckian transformism": A specific version of the theory emphasizing the inheritance of acquired characteristics.
  • Lamarckian transformism suggests that giraffes developed long necks by stretching to reach high leaves, and this trait was passed to offspring. (A variant of transformism focusing on use and disuse.)

Variants and Related Words

• Transformist (noun/adjective): a person who advocates or supports transformism; relating to the theory.

  • The transformist argued that fossils show a clear pattern of gradual change. (A supporter of transformism.)

• Transform (verb): to change in form, appearance, or structure.

  • Caterpillars transform into butterflies. (To undergo a change.)

Synonyms

• Evolutionism: the belief in biological evolution as a process of change over time.
• Descent with modification: Charles Darwin's term for the process of species change through natural selection.

Related Idioms